NEW DELHI: Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Imran Pratapgarhi has voiced strong opposition to the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, alleging that the government is attempting to divert public attention from pressing issues by focusing on matters affecting the Muslim community.โ
The Lok Sabha approved the Waqf Amendment Bill after a 12-hour debate, with 288 members voting in favor and 232 against.
The bill proposes significant changes in the management and administration of Waqf properties, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency. Key provisions include introducing non-Muslim members into Waqf boards and increasing governmental oversight to address concerns of corruption and mismanagement.
Oppositionโs Concerns
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticized the bill, arguing that it could lead to the misappropriation of Waqf lands and infringe upon the constitutional rights of Muslims. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi termed the bill as unconstitutional, stating, โIf the government was concerned about the welfare of Muslims, it should have taken the community into confidence before bringing this bill.โ โ
Pratapgarhi further alleged that the governmentโs focus on the Waqf Bill serves as a distraction from other pressing issues, such as recent international trade tensions. He remarked, โTill 2 AM last night, the government worked hard to push the Waqf Bill in Lok Sabha, but at the same time, a 26 per cent tariff hike was imposed on India. The country and its people need to understand how Modiโs government is using Muslims as a distraction. Neither Modi ji nor his cabinet is saying anything about this tariff issueโฆโ
Protests and Demonstrations
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has been at the forefront of protests against the bill. On March 17, members of the AIMPLB staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding the withdrawal of the bill, which they believe threatens the protection of Waqf properties.
AIMPLB spokesperson Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas expressed concerns over the governmentโs motives, stating that the bill aims to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims and incite unrest in the country.
In a bid to further their protest, the AIMPLB has called upon Muslims nationwide to wear black armbands on Jumatul Vida (the last Friday of Ramzan) as a silent, peaceful expression of dissent against the bill.
The board warns that if passed, the bill could lead to the usurpation of mosques, madrasas, graveyards, and numerous charitable institutions.
Governmentโs Stance
In response to the protests, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal dismissed the demonstrations as politically motivated, stating, โThe protest was just for politics and the act had not even been introduced.โ โ
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill, has defended it as a necessary reform aimed at curbing corruption and improving the management of Waqf properties. He emphasized that the bill seeks to bring transparency and efficiency to the administration of these properties, ensuring that they serve the intended charitable and religious purposes.
The passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked significant controversy, with debates centering on its implications for religious institutions, minority rights, and the potential for political misuse. As the bill awaits presidential assent, the ongoing protests and legal challenges underscore the deep divisions and apprehensions surrounding its enactment.
